Tags

Indiana opens the football season Saturday at home against Indiana State (noon, ESPNews). Please listen to our podcast and read these seven things to watch:

What's new: New coordinator Brian Knorr is bringing a 3-4 defense from Wake Forest. Granted, almost any change would represent improvement. It would be hard to be worse than the Hoosiers were last year, when they set an all-time Big Ten record for average yards allowed (560.2) in conference games. They were 123rd out of 125 teams in total defense. Besides a different scheme, Indiana also has more talent on this side of the ball than a year ago.

Player with something to prove: Nick Stoner. The senior wide receiver isn't playing behind Cody Latimer or Kofi Hughes any more. The former state 100- and 200-meter champion from Center Grove needs to manifest the talent he has demonstrated, and do so consistently.

Most likely to make a big play: Shane Wynn. At Big Ten media days in Chicago, Ohio State's Braxton Miller and Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah identified Wynn as the conference's most exciting player. The 5-7, 167-pound receiver is the only player in IU history to have scored a touchdown by rushing, receiving, punt return and kickoff return. He might have to catch 100 passes for the Hoosiers to reach a bowl game.

Most likely to leave early for NFL: Tevin Coleman. The junior running back came up short of 1,000 yards last year only because he missed the final three games with a sprained ankle. He rushed for 958 yards (7.3 average) and 12 touchdowns. His eight gains of 40 more yards tied for the national lead. Indiana's up-tempo offense leaves defenses vulnerable to misalignment, and such mistakes can result in Coleman TDs. If he has a big year, no reason to stick around for another.

Impact newcomers: Wide receivers Dominique Booth, J-Shun Harris and Simmie Cobbs have all impressed the coaching staff in preseason. So have linebackers Tegray Scales, Greg Gooch and Robert McCray III. The way the Hoosiers rotate personnel, all could play as freshmen.

Most pivotal game: The Sept. 27 home opener against Maryland – which will make its Big Ten debut in this game – is close to make-or-break for the Hoosiers. Win, and they will be well on their way to their first bowl appearance since 2007. Lose, and they might have to wait until 2015.

Call Star reporter David Woods at (317) 444-6195 or e-mail david.woods@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter at @DavidWoods007.